Tommy Emmanuel - Up From Down Under

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 37:08
Size: 85.0 MB
Styles: Fingerpicked guitar, Guitar jazz
Year: 1987/2009
Art: Front

[5:25] 1. Up From Down Under
[4:29] 2. Raindance
[3:05] 3. Daybreak
[2:58] 4. Lady Madonna
[2:16] 5. Soul Search
[3:10] 6. Michelle
[4:27] 7. Initiation
[2:39] 8. Turning Point
[3:27] 9. Times Change
[5:08] 10. Night Sky

Tommy is big in Australia and over in Europe, but guitar fans in America have just been learning about him the past few years. He appeared at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention a few years ago and brought the house down. People have been talking about him ever since, and his fame is spreading. “He’s about the only guitarist I’ve heard who can come close to what Lenny [Breau] did with harmonics, and he’s got a style all his own. I think he’s probably the greatest finger-picker in the world today. He’s inventive, fearless and has a flawless sense of rhythm. He’s a great showman, too. You can’t watch Tommy perform and not feel happy. I just love him. We made an album together in 1996 called The Day Fingerpickers Took Over The World, which I’m very proud of. It’s got some beautiful tunes on it, and our playing blended well. Tommy is going to give the world a lot of great music in the coming years” ~Chet Atkins

Up From Down Under

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Blue Harlem - I Dare You!

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 56:23

Size: 129.1 MB

Styles: Swing, R&B

Year: 2008

Art: Front

[2:55] 1. I Dare You Baby

[4:23] 2. I Cried Last Night

[4:13] 3. Is You Is, Or Is You Ain't My Baby

[3:13] 4. Main Stem

[2:59] 5. Bad Luck

[3:11] 6. I Just Can't Keep The Tears From Falling Down

[3:49] 7. Some Boys

[3:49] 8. Easy Easy

[3:26] 9. Daddy Daddy

[3:32] 10. Bump's Boogie

[3:27] 11. I Don't Hurt Anymore

[2:53] 12. Real Life

[3:34] 13. That's The Way To Treat Your Woman

[4:07] 14. Harry Diamond

[2:33] 15. Did We Have Any Fun

[4:11] 16. I Stepped In Quicksand

This is the fourth album release for Blue Harlem and the first to feature their fabulous new vocalist Sophie Shaw. This album not only captures the fashionable spirit of '40s and '50s rhythm 'n’ blues but also introduces new arrangements and a fresh collection of material. Blue Harlem have always had an enviable reputation on the live music circuit following a career spanning 10 years. They have not only built a huge fan base internationally but have repeatedly been invited back to perform in front of the Royal Family both at Highgrove and Buckingham Palace. Based in London, the band are regulars at The Pigalle and

The 100 Club (the chosen venue for the album launch) and frequently perform at Festivals and venues throughout Europe. Sophie Shaw, who had been a long time fan of the band and regular dancer at their live gigs, previously worked on stage and screen as both an actress and singer. Of this recording Sophie says “I’m really excited about this album. We’ve had a blast getting some fabulous new material down.

The band are playing better than ever – they swing me off my feet.” Al Nicholls, tenor sax player and arranger for the band, says “ I am immensely proud of this recording. It’s by far the best album we have recorded to date. The boys individual playing is terrific – uplifting, generous and spirited. The ensemble playing is tight, crisp but always swinging like mad. Sophie has done a fantastic job re-interpretiung and styling these songs.” In this new recording the band continue the exploration of the urban blues. Artists such as Louis Jordan, Percy Mayfield, Charles Brown, Ruth Brown are all represented here, along with new material from the band itself and the song writing partnership of the legendary beat generation survivor Fran Landesman and composer Simon Wallace. Simon also recorded and co-produced the album. A collaboration of some great musical talent resulting in outstanding interpretations of recordings with a taste of the old and the new. “It’s happy music that makes you want to dance.” ~ Michael Parkinson

I Dare You!

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Wild Bill Davis - The Everest Years

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 74:47
Size: 171.2 MB
Styles: Organ jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[2:44] 1. The Madison Time, Pt. 2
[2:11] 2. Blue Skies
[2:49] 3. Soft Winds
[4:39] 4. Organ Grinders Swing
[4:14] 5. Flying Home
[2:37] 6. Independence Hora
[3:10] 7. I Will Follow You
[2:37] 8. That Was Yesterday
[1:57] 9. Milk & Honey
[2:16] 10. Let's Not Waste A Moment
[5:30] 11. Dis Heah
[3:29] 12. Angel Eyes
[2:45] 13. What's New
[3:44] 14. Like Young Lovers Do
[3:32] 15. Wenkie
[3:50] 16. 'round Midnight
[2:51] 17. Blues For Joe
[2:50] 18. Cabato
[2:48] 19. The Nearness Of You
[2:23] 20. I Want A Little Girl
[2:05] 21. Show Me
[3:09] 22. On The Street Where You Live
[2:31] 23. Just You Wait
[1:56] 24. You Did It
[1:57] 25. Rain In Spain

Before Jimmy Smith became the dominant force of the jazz organ, Wild Bill Davis was a major influence. Davis emulated a swinging big band (specifically Count Basie's) in his playing, and his music was accessible, melodic, bluesy, and swinging. He recorded five albums for the Everest label during 1959-1961 and five selections apiece from each of the LPs are included on this single CD. Davis' organ-guitar-drums trio was augmented for these dates by a horn (either tenor saxophonist George Clark, trumpeter Charlie Shavers, or Maurice Simon on tenor) plus, on one set, bassist Milt Hinton. The horn players fare well but Wild Bill Davis is the dominant force throughout and is heard in prime form during the very likable performances, which serve as a strong introduction to his playing. ~ Scott Yanow

Wild Bill Davis (organ); Les Spann (guitar, flute); Bill Jennings, Calvin Newborn (guitar); George Clark (tenor saxophone); Charlie Shavers (trumpet); Milt Hinton, Tommy Bryant (double bass); Grady Tate, Jo Jones (drums).

The Everest Years

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Swingerhead - She Could Be A Spy

Styles: Swing, Big Band, Jump Blues
Label: Colossal Music
Released: 1998
File: mp3 @320K/s
Size: 98,8 MB
Time: 43:10
Art: front

1. She Could Be A Spy - 4:08
2. Lady With The Big Cigar - 3:46
3. Pick Up The Phone - 3:06
4. He Just Wants To Cha Cha - 4:17
5. Swing Out - 2:35
6. Let's Rendezvous - 4:05
7. Candy For Breakfast - 2:38
8. At The Strip - 3:43
9. Mary Ann - 5:28
10. Hey Baby I'm Home - 2:41
11. Trying To Cut Back - 2:12
12. I'll Be Alright - 4:26

Personnel:
Michael 'Swingerhead' Andrew (vocals)
Quiche Lorraine (guitar)
Brian Snapp (clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone)
Tom Butler, Terry Myers (saxophone)
Rick Abbott, John Allred (trombone)
Perry 'Spider' Orfanella (acoustic bass)
Roger King Jr. (drums)
Mark Goldberg (percussion)
and guests.

Notes: Michael Andrew has always loved swing music. In1990, he formed "The Michael Andrew Orchestras" with the goal of providing timeless music in the style of the big bands of the forties and in the tradition of popular singers like Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.
In 1993, the world famous Rainbow Room in New York City invited Michael to become their headlining singer and band leader where he performed 5 to 6 nights a week for over two years. In the summer of '96 audiences and critics raved about his "hi-fi,sci-fi" musical comedy, Mickey Swingerhead & The Earthgirls, which was produced in Orlando, Florida.
In 1998, Andrew created his dynamic band known as Swingerhead. Even though they had an extensive touring schedule, Swingerhead was considered the house band at Rat Pack's on the Avenue in Orlando. Michael Andrew and the band performed with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra to a sold out crowd and received several standing ovations.
In 2000, Andrew formed his Los Angeles based band, The Coconut Club Orchestra. They performed at the Coconut Club in Merv Griffin's Beverly Hilton every Saturday night. His Orlando based band, Swingerhead continues to perform throughout Central Florida and the nation and in October of 2001, they won the Best Band award in the category of "Jazz, Lounge and Swing" for the 4th year in a row.
Michael Andrew can be seen leading his band in the opening scene of the MGM motion picture "Heartbreakers" starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sigourney Weaver, and Gene Hackman.
Michael enjoys working with his own bands as well as making frequent guest artist appearances with symphonic orchestras across the country.

She Could Be A Spy

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Sarah Stivers - This Girl's In Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:21
Size: 117,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:51)  1. Call Me
(4:04)  2. I Thought About You
(3:02)  3. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(5:21)  4. This Girl's In Love
(4:39)  5. How High The Moon
(5:44)  6. My One And Only Love
(3:23)  7. Just One Of Those Things
(5:15)  8. Don't Let Me Be Lonely
(4:53)  9. Everytime We Say Goodbye
(3:57) 10. They All Laughed
(6:06) 11. I Was Telling Him About You

After landing a singing job in a smoky bistro in Paris, Sarah Stivers took the plunge. She had been singing for years, fronting for jazz quintets, big bands and variety groups. But that night in Paris, Sarah decided it was time to set her sights on a life of music. Since then, her nascent career has snowballed from playing with groups in the Midwest to recording her first CD, "This Girl's in Love" with jazz icon, bassist Rufus Reid. Over the range of her repertoire, from Cole Porter to Burt Bacharach, Sarah's sound is so compelling and listener-friendly, and the music is so satisfying, one is left to wonder how "This Girl" could be a debut effort. With smooth, clear tones, Sarah Stivers delivers a singularly powerful punch of passion and intelligence with a voice that is at once sensual and luminous. An expressive and intimate artist, Sarah sings to the heart of each song and to the soul of each listener. Even in a busy club, it's just you, the music and Sarah.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sarahstivers

This Girl's In Love

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Branford Marsalis & Joey Calderazzo - Songs Of Mirth & Melancholy

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:26
Size: 124,9 MB
Art: Front

(7:12)  1. One Way
(4:28)  2. The Bard Lachrymose
(7:39)  3. La Valse Kendall
(4:30)  4. 4Face on the Barroom Floor
(6:01)  5. Endymion
(1:41)  6. Die Trauernde
(8:48)  7. Hope
(6:02)  8. Precious
(8:02)  9. Bri's Dance

The Swedish proverb "Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow," is one that perfectly exemplifies Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, from saxophonist Branford Marsalis and pianist Joey Calderazzo. Their bond has solidified over time, since Calderazzo took over the piano chair from the late Kenny Kirkland in Marsalis' ensemble in 1998. While Kirkland's talent can never be replaced, Calderazzo has proven his own deep abilities as a vital member of the band and in his own recordings. Marsalis' voice is commanding in any aspect, whether playing or speaking frankly about the music environment, and continues to resonate as a leader. Together, their rapport illuminates this recording. The mirth begins with Calderazzo's "One Way," a rousing, bluesy piece that strolls down the boulevard like a conversation between two old souls. It sounds like it could have been written in the 1920s, and swings eternally; the piano's ragtag stride provides the perfect foil for the tenor's vociferous backtalk. 

The melancholy comes in Marsalis' heartfelt "The Bard of Lachrymose," captivating like an opera diva working a classical aria, its sentiment a prelude to Calderazzos' alluring "La Valse Lendall," a methodical song in perfect tandem with the soprano saxophone's lyricism. Unlike typical instrument duos, the two masters don't just play off of chord changes, but listen and engage one another. There's also an appreciation for other works in the always compelling version of Johannes Brahms's "Die Trauernde" and a surprising rendition of Wayne Shorter's "Face in the Barroom Floor" from Weather Report's Sportin' Life (Columbia, 1984), as Marsalis' phrasing mimics Shorter's iconic horn to a science. Yet, throughout these nine pieces, both players show their own merit as composers, Marsalis' "Endymion" pointing towards the heavens, and soaring in a flight of harmony and tension, while Calderazzo's "Hope" is suffused with blissful elegance. The release benefits not only from its musicians but also from its environment. Recorded at the Hayti Center in Durham, North Carolina, the acoustics are excellent; the tenor saxophone's warmth is almost tangible on "Precious" and the piano's skittering keys like diamond studded tap shoes on "Bri's Dance." In the end, Songs of Mirth and Melancholy is exceptional when savored; documenting the communication between two musicians and their ability to express emotion through their music. ~ Mark F.Turner   

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=39518#.Usl08bRc_vs

Personnel: Branford Marsalis: saxophones; Joey Calderazzo: piano.

Songs Of Mirth & Melancholy

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8½ Souvenirs - Twisted Desire

Styles: Retro Swing, Alternative Country-Rock
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:46
Size: 100,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:35)  1. Sharp Dressed Man
(4:56)  2. L'amour toujours
(4:15)  3. Twisted Desire
(3:44)  4. Eva Luna
(4:13)  5. Dancin'
(3:07)  6. Lonely in Love
(3:02)  7. Life Style
(4:04)  8. My Baby
(3:31)  9. The Rhythm Is Magic
(3:44) 10. Under Your Skin
(2:04) 11. Spider Lady
(3:25) 12. Yes, Yes, Yes

Since it begins with a seemingly ironic reading of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man," it would be easy to dismiss 8 1/2 Souvenirs' third album Twisted Desire as another tongue-in-cheek Gen-X retro-swing folly. That may be the knee-jerk reaction, but it's an unfair one, because the rest of the album reveals that the band is far more sophisticated, suave, and seductive than most of their peers. No small credit goes to Chrysta Bell, the lead singer whose rich voice brings style and grace to every song, even that misdirected cover that begins the album. Then again, songwriter Olivier Giraud shares equal credit with Bell for being able to write clever, engaging songs, and the entire band shows good taste in picking outside material, such as Walter Hyatt's "Lonely in Love," as well. The end result is a surprisingly enjoyable record that shouldn't be lumped in with the smarmy schtick that usually passes for retro-swing. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine   http://www.allmusic.com/album/twisted-desire-mw0000244312

Twisted Desire

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The Everly Brothers - Songs Our Daddy Taught Us

Styles: Pop/Rock
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:29
Size: 93,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:41)  1. Roving Gambler
(3:04)  2. Down In The Willow Garden
(2:26)  3. Long Time Gone
(4:53)  4. Lightning Express
(3:09)  5. That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine
(2:41)  6. Who's Gonna Show Your Pretty Little Feet-
(4:41)  7. Barbara Allen
(2:37)  8. Oh So Many Years
(3:38)  9. I'm Here To Get My Baby Out Of Jail
(3:01) 10. Rockin' Alone (In An Old Rockin' Chair)
(3:10) 11. Kentucky
(3:21) 12. Put My Little Shoes Away

The Everlys had reached their commercial peak when they made this album of sparsely arranged traditional songs, a concept that was quite a surprise from a top rock & roll act, and considerably ahead of its time. It's actually not as enduring as their early rockers and pop ballads, but the singing is superb on their interpretations of standards like "Barbara Allen" and "Kentucky." ~ Richie Unterberger   

http://www.allmusic.com/album/songs-our-daddy-taught-us-mw0000604335

Songs Our Daddy Taught Us

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Rebecca Hardiman - I'll Remember April

Size: 73,8 MB
Time: 31:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. This Can't Be Love (3:51)
02. Almost Like Being In Love (4:12)
03. I'll Remember April (2:37)
04. The Nearness Of You (3:11)
05. I Got Rhythm (2:30)
06. The Very Thought Of You (4:21)
07. With A Song In My Heart (2:52)
08. I've Got The World On A String (4:13)
09. Cry Me A River (3:30)

Rebecca started her career with “The Ritz” - a vocal jazz group based in Boston that performed throughout the East Coast including The Montreal Jazz Festival. While with “The Ritz”, she recorded a CD for Denon Columbia Records. After moving back to Portland in 1990, she and her husband started the vocal jazz group “Euphoria”, which performed around Portland for 10 years at various venues including The Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, and was the opening act for Mel Torme’ when he appeared at the Eugene Hult Center. Rebecca also recorded a Gospel Jazz CD of all original songs available on CDBaby.com and PraiseCharts.com. Rebecca’s style is often described as an exciting mix of Doris Day and Ella Fitzgerald.

I'll Remember April  

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The New Hot Club Of America - The New Hot Club Of America

Size: 99,8 MB
Time: 41:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Gypsy Jazz, Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Swing Guitars (Feat. Ben Powell & Gonzalo Bergara) (3:07)
02. Festival 48 (Feat. Jason Anick & Gonzalo Bergara) (2:57)
03. Blues Skies (Feat. Leah Zeger & Gonzalo Bergara) (3:36)
04. Webster (Feat. Gonzalo Bergara & Jason Anick) (2:00)
05. Blues Clair (Feat. Gonzalo Bergara) (1:46)
06. Undecided (Feat. Gonzalo Bergara & Leah Zeger) (2:38)
07. Billets Deux (Feat. Rob Hardt & Gonzalo Bergara) (2:37)
08. Rhythm Future (Feat. Jason Anick & Gonzalo Bergara) (2:38)
09. Coucou (Feat. Gonzalo Bergara & Leah Zeger) (2:47)
10. Place De Brouckere (Feat. Ben Powell & Gonzalo Bergara) (2:04)
11. Blues Mineur (Feat. Rob Hardt & Gonzalo Bergara) (3:04)
12. Swing 42 (Feat. Gonzalo Bergara & Rob Hardt) (3:22)
13. Minor Swing (Feat. Gonzalo Bergara, Jason Anick, Leah Zeger, Rob Hardt & Ben Powell) (3:24)
14. Artillerie Lourde (Feat. Gonzalo Bergara & Ben Powell) (3:03)
15. Hungaria (Feat. Gonzalo Bergara) (2:29)

Recently formed, The New Hot Club Of America is an ensemble comprised of some of the top gypsy jazz artists living and performing this music in North America. Modeled on the original instrumentation of the Hot club of France, the New Hot club of America pays particular attention to recapturing the sound, style and spirit of the Hotclub of France by performing music composed and performed by Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli. One of the concepts behind the New Hot club of America is to have an evolving group of featured soloists on rotation. In this way the NHOA can celebrate the many collaborations Django Reinhardt made with other artists in Europe and the USA by inviting singers and instrumental soloists to collaborate in the same way.

The New Hot Club Of America

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Laura Hull & Her Jazz Gems - Supper Club Live!

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 62:49
Size: 143.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[3:48] 1. Lullaby Of The Leaves
[5:14] 2. Dream
[3:37] 3. Alone Together
[4:46] 4. I Can't Get Started
[4:17] 5. Get Out Of Town
[4:39] 6. How Strange
[4:41] 7. Dreamsville
[5:04] 8. Comes Love
[7:52] 9. Only The Lonely
[4:32] 10. I Got Lucky In The Rain
[5:19] 11. I Wish I Knew
[4:59] 12. Call Me
[3:54] 13. How Deep Is The Ocean

A collection of popular songs and obscure gems in tribute to the supper club experience of eras gone by. Recorded live at Richie Cecere's Supper Club in Montclair, NJ.

With influences ranging from Rosemary Clooney and Carmen McRae to Patsy Cline and k.d. Lang, Laura Hull delivers an extraordinary combination of rich, sultry, and expressive vocals with music drawn from an extensive repertoire of American popular songs, jazz standards, and her original compositions.

A native of New York City, Laura took the first steps of her musical journey at the age of seven when she appeared in an all-girls summer camp production of The King and I. Through her formative years, the road led her to the resorts of upstate New York's fabled Catskill Mountains, where she learned to sing in a variety of genres and styles. She spent time as a versatile session and jingle singer and showcased her singing at clubs in and around New York City After a 24-year hiatus from music to pursue a business career, Laura returned to live performance in 2004. In her many performances since, she has emerged as a melodic jazz singer with a real feel for the Great American Songbook.

Tracks 3, 8, 11, recorded live, July 11, 2009. Laura Hull: Vocals; Ted Brancato: Piano; Steve LaSpina: Bass; Lenny Argese: Guitar; Tony Jefferson: Drums. Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, recorded live, July 25, 2009. Laura Hull: Vocals; Pat Firth: Piano; Saadi Zain: Bass; Lenny Argese: Guitar; Tony Jefferson: Drums.

Supper Club Live!

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Gene Ammons - Bad! Bossa Nova

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 34:17
Size: 78.5 MB
Styles: Soul Jazz, Hard bop
Year: 1962/1989/2012
Art: Front

[4:45] 1. Pagan Love Song
[9:34] 2. Ca' Purange (Jungle Soul)
[3:19] 3. Anna
[3:46] 4. Cae, Cae
[7:44] 5. Moito Mato Grosso
[5:06] 6. Yellow Bird

Bad Bossa Nova is right – as Gene Ammons really hits a great groove here – one that's not exactly bossa, but which has lots of Latin and tropical touches! The session makes great use of 2 guitars at the same time – using that of Kenny Burrell for soulful rhythm, but also adding in Bucky Pizzarelli for some nice acoustic embellishments – in a mode that's similar to the soul jazz-com-bossa style used on records like Ike Quebec's Soul Samba or Charlie Rouse's Bossa Nova Bacchanal. The overall rhythms are a bit more complicated, and a bit more soul jazz based than those sets – with Hank Jones on piano, Oliver Jackson on percussion, and Al Hayes adding in some sweet extra bongo! ~Dusty Groove

Bad! Bossa Nova

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Alberto Marsico - Rock Candy

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 57:07
Size: 130.8 MB
Styles: Hammond organ jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[4:46] 1. The Champ
[4:24] 2. Ready And Able
[5:22] 3. The Cat
[3:44] 4. Rock Candy
[5:12] 5. Talkin` About J.C.
[4:47] 6. Lazy
[4:39] 7. A Whiter Shade Of Pale
[4:51] 8. Gotcha
[9:31] 9. 8
[9:45] 10. Monster Blues

2004 release dedicated to Hammond organ history. Classic Hammond tunes played with a 4-piece brass section.

Nato a Torino nel 1966, è attivo a livello professionale da circa venticinque anni come organista e tastierista; la sua passione per l'organo Hammond nasce però nel 1994, dopo aver frequentato i seminari di Jack McDuff a Genova.

Rock Candy

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Lisa Hearns - I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:58
Size: 91,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:03)  1. I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good
(3:22)  2. Easy Living
(4:55)  3. I Heard It Through the Grapevine
(2:54)  4. Cheek to Cheek
(3:32)  5. Plus Je T'Embrasse
(3:48)  6. Love for Sale
(4:18)  7. Lonely Woman
(2:51)  8. Wild Is Love
(3:27)  9. On the Street Where You Live
(4:44) 10. Cry Me a River

Nearly a decade ago, the jazz world was introduced to Jane Monheit, an upstart singer with an exceptional voice. Monheit put a fresh face to several standards with her early releases. Lisa Hearns is in that same mold.  The daughter of two music professors, Hearns grew up in Massachusetts and is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. Though she has sung professionally and made several recordings, I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good is her first foray into jazz. She is aided by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner. Accompanying musicians are Kelly Friesen on bass, Keith Ingham on piano, Arnold Wise on drums, and guest guitarist Howard Alden appears on several tracks. Hearns starts this 10-song set with the title track. In elegant lounge singer fashion, she brings an earthy touch to the Ellington/Webster composition. 

It begins as a duet between Hearns and Alden, and then the other musicians join in. During the middle break, Friesen solos, accompanied by Ingham and Wise. Hearns demonstrates some impressive control during a series of roulades before the closing sequence. The French "Plus Je T'Embrasse" is delightful. Hearns' voice provides just a touch of sass. Ingham and Alden add to the spirit with solos. The bass and drums, though in the background, add their emphasis as well.  Alden helps carry the rhythm on the upbeat "Wild Is Love." Freisen features prominently. Ingham's solo is punctuated by Wise's rim shots. And, as she does, Hearns sings with a joyous flair.  The one non-jazz song that's covered here is the Motown classic "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." Hearns is an effective lead vocalist who shares the spotlight with her accompanists. Likewise, the musicians are involved enough to be noticed both individually and as a group, but they don't dominate. ~ Woodrow Wilkins  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/profile.php?id=2429

Personnel: Lisa Hearns: vocals; Kelly Friesen: bass; Keith Ingram: piano; Arnold Wise: drums; Howard Alden: guitar (1, 2, 5, 8).

I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good

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Mary Stallings - Dream

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:11
Size: 112,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:58)  1. Close Enough For Love
(5:23)  2. That Old Black Magic
(4:47)  3. Moon Ray
(4:10)  4. Never Knew
(2:48)  5. A Weaver Of Dreams
(6:05)  6. Mad About The Boy
(3:13)  7. Dream Dancing
(3:39)  8. Hey Now
(5:07)  9. Watching You Watching Me
(1:16) 10. Before You Know It
(7:39) 11. A Timeless Place

Mary Stallings had made her mark over a career stretching nearly a half-century by the time of this recording session, and she still is very impressive in her early seventies. The expressive alto benefits from an outstanding rhythm section, anchored by pianist/arranger Eric Reed, with bassist Hamilton Price and drummer Ralph Penland. "Close Enough for Love" is the striking opener, and while this was a signature song for the late Shirley Horn, Stallings is buoyed by Reed's uptempo, dramatic setting of this standard. Contrasting with that is the lush, very deliberate approach to "That Old Black Magic," with Stallings putting greater emphasis on Johnny Mercer's romantic lyrics in a very sensual way. The neglected "A Weaver of Dreams" is an absolute delight, with Stallings swinging over Reed's tasty stride piano in a duo performance. The vocalist also offers a striking interpretation of "A Timeless Place" (vocalist Norma Winstone's lyrical adaptation of Jimmy Rowles' "The Peacocks"), a shimmering affair in which Stallings captures the essence of the words and melody. "Never Knew" is a rare opportunity for Stallings to record with her daughter, R&B vocalist Adriana Evans (who also co-wrote the piece), for a funky, upbeat number that adds a bit of contemporary flavor to this collection of timeless standards. ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/dream-mw0002029793

Dream

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Krisanthi Pappas - And The Sun Will Shine

Styles: Jazz, Cabaret
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:22
Size: 125,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:25)  1. The Voice
(4:02)  2. So High
(3:43)  3. Just Another Day Without You
(4:11)  4. You Make Me Crazy
(4:15)  5. Purple Jazz Waltz
(3:53)  6. Just Want To Run Away
(3:57)  7. Move On
(2:25)  8. I've Always Been Cool
(3:39)  9. Going On Vacation
(1:52) 10. Oh What A Day, Feeling Good!
(3:17) 11. Congratulations On Graduation!
(3:56) 12. Celebratin' Swing
(3:07) 13. The Big Apple Lingo
(4:06) 14. Holding On To You
(3:27) 15. If I Had Only Known

Jazz and cabaret singer Krisanthi Pappas has been compared to Diana Krall and Norah Jones by Jazz Times Magazine. Also a Billboard® award winning composer and lyricist, Cadence Magazine compares her songwriting style to Randy Newman (music of “Toy Story”, etc). Her original songs have been featured in ABC television’s “One Life To Live”, NBC’s “Parenthood” and “Passions”, as well as in the films "Green River" and “Tying The Not”. Krisanthi has recorded five CDs and performs full-time throughout New England and New York City, having opened for Branford Marsalis, Chuck Mangione and many others. Her voice and music have received high accolades from Jazz Times Magazine, Downbeat Magazine, Cabaret Scenes New York, Cabaret Hotline, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Cadence Magazine, and many radio personalities nationwide. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/krisanthipappas5

And The Sun Will Shine

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Jimmy Heath - Little Man, Big Band

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:14
Size: 120,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:06)  1. Trane Connections
(4:25)  2. Two Friends
(7:48)  3. The Voice of the Saxophone
(6:58)  4. Forever Sonny
(7:03)  5. CTA
(7:19)  6. Ellington's Stray Horn
(5:08)  7. Gingerbread Boy
(8:23)  8. Without You, No Me

Bill Cosby produced Little Man Big Band to give journeyman composer and saxophonist Jimmy Heath a larger palette for his work. Most known for his work with small ensembles, especially the Heath Brothers with siblings Percy Heath on bass and Tootie Heath on drums, Jimmy Heath brings to life his compositions, including his greatest hits "CTA" and "Gingerbread Boy," with blaring, upper register trumpets, punchy trombone countermelodies and swirling saxophone ensembles. He is an able practitioner of big band orchestration, concentrating largely on using the band to frame soloists, most prominently himself. The concerto-like pieces "The Voice of the Saxophone" and "Ellington's Stray Horn" are the most adventurous structurally. 

The band made up mostly of members of American Jazz Orchestra is stocked with ace sessionmen who execute the charts with aplomb. That's evident on the twisting melodic variations on the opener and "Gingerbread Boy." While Heath is the featured soloist, Roland Hanna gets a chance to show both as a soloist and as an accompanist why he was in a class with Basie and Ellington as a big band pianist. Guitarist Tony Purrone, a regular with the Heath Brothers, and most of the trumpet section provide complementary solo voices. ~ David Dupont   

http://www.allmusic.com/album/little-man-big-band-mw0000616104

Little Man, Big Band

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Illinois Jacquet & Ben Webster - The Kid & The Brute

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 60:04
Size: 137.5 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1954/1998/2013
Art: Front

[11:52] 1. I Wrote This For The Kid
[ 2:39] 2. Saph
[ 2:50] 3. Mambocito Mio
[ 8:24] 4. The Kid And The Brute
[ 4:29] 5. September Song
[ 3:08] 6. Jacquet's Dilemma
[ 2:40] 7. Little Jeff
[ 1:47] 8. Jacquet Jumps
[ 3:06] 9. Blue Nocturne
[ 3:15] 10. On Your Toes
[ 2:52] 11. R.U. One
[ 2:53] 12. Jatap Conga
[ 3:26] 13. It's The Talk Of The Town
[ 3:19] 14. Heads
[ 3:17] 15. On Your Toes

This single CD reissues all of the music from a former LP and a ten-inch LP. Of greatest interest are two fairly long selections (the blues "I Wrote This for the Kid" and a stomping "The Kid and the Brute") that match Illinois Jacquet with fellow tenor great Ben Webster. Since they have equally passionate and distinctive sounds, their "battle" is a draw. Otherwise, this 1998 CD finds Jacquet with his band of the mid-1950s, featuring short solos and fine support from trumpeter Russell Jacquet, trombonist Matthew Gee and either Leo Parker or Cecil Payne on baritone. Jacquet is at his best on the uptempo numbers, such as "Jacquet Jumps" and two versions of "On Your Toes," where he gets to honk in strategic places. An excellent example of Illinois Jacquet's hard-swinging and accessible music. ~Scott Yanow

The Kid & The Brute

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Joani Taylor With Ross Taggart & Friends - A State Of Grace

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 61:30

Size: 140.8 MB

Styles: Vocal jazz

Year: 2002

Art: Front

[5:34] 1. All My Tomorrows

[5:49] 2. The Very Thought Of You

[5:29] 3. Imagine My Frustration

[4:40] 4. A State Of Grace

[5:19] 5. For All We Know

[4:37] 6. Seeing For The Very First Time

[3:23] 7. You Look Good

[5:32] 8. Answer My Questions

[5:35] 9. I Ain't Got Nothing But The Blues

[4:14] 10. You're Blase

[6:11] 11. Detour Ahead

[5:03] 12. You Must Believe In Spring

Joani is Canada's “First Lady of the Jazz Ballad”. She has legendary status in Canadian music circles and has sung on thousands of film scores, commercials and recordings…..working with a variety of luminaries from Bryan Adams and Stevie Wonder to James Galway, David Foster, Cannonball Adderley, and Miles Davis. Joani has flown worldwide to bewitch audiences in concerts and festivals. She has won nominations and awards for her work in both Canada and the U.S. She has had a hit single and recorded five albums, not including the compilations she has been featured on. Joani is releasing her explosive sixth product featuring her own profound and prolific writing, as well as her brilliant vocal performances.

A State Of Grace

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Marc Antoine - Cruisin'

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 40:58
Size: 93.8 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz, Smooth jazz
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[3:41] 1. Mas Que Nada
[4:40] 2. On The Strip
[4:15] 3. Cruisin'
[4:23] 4. Sierra Bella
[4:54] 5. Just Chillin'
[4:23] 6. Java Montmarte
[5:52] 7. Indian Summer
[4:24] 8. Caribbean Morning
[4:23] 9. Fuego

Anyone who's ever seen this French guitarist perform live knows that he has yet to record an album that showcases how truly captivating a guitarist he is. Cruisin' comes close and is without question Antoine's most cohesive and thoroughly entertaining disc. It helps that the guitarist has greatly diminished his use of drum machines and instead works with a live sound, which goes a long way in generating more warmth from his strings than was evident in his previous releases. As the title suggests, Crusin' is a record inspired by summer traveling. It is filled with uplifting melodies and energetic grooves just right for driving. The nine-song CD is something of a travelogue too, with stops in Spain, France, and the islands, respectively, on the tunes "Sierra Bella," "Java Montmarte," and "Caribbean Morning." The disc opens with a smooth-jazz reworking of the Brazilian standard "Mas Que Nada" that features exquisite wordless vocal work from Patti Austin. Drummer Peter Erskine, keyboardist Ricky Peterson, and Antoine's fellow Frenchman, keyboardist Philippe Saisse, also contribute stellar performances. And the work of percussionist Luis Conte also helps make this album a smooth-jazz winner. --Mark Ruffin

Cruisin'

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